This mystic image composed of a large gold-like glistening
skull with a detachable trident of iron covered with blazing
flames, is the representation of Sabdag, a local deity
worshipped in and around Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh as
the guardian deity of hills and their inhabitants. Sabdag is
the manifestation of Lord Shiva's ferocious form, Bhairava.
Besides the eye holes and the wide open mouth with teeth
exposed in full, in the centre above the forehead, there is a
fine serpentine waving line, something like a cranial suture.
The skull also has a slit at the apex to fix the trident.
Sabdag icons are usually placed on the roof-tops of
monasteries or on the top of their entrances. It is believed
that wherever its vision stretched, evil spirits and demons
that pollute and destroy the balance shall be dispelled.

Brief Description

This is a ritual object in the form of a skull and a detachable
trident in the form of blazing flames. The object is believed to
ward off evil spirits and demons.